Journey to Become the Zenith

The Dragon’s Oath

Victor remained silent after the memory faded.

The images still lingered vividly within his mind, refusing to disappear.

Now he finally understood.

The faded birthmarks on his chest were not ordinary markings.

They were living proof of contracts forged across lifetimes.

He now understood why Tsukiyomi meant so much to Eddy.

She had not merely been an Ethereal who lent him strength.

She had become his sword...

His shield...

His partner...

And one of the people he treasured most.

At the same time, Victor also realized something else.

If Tsukiyomi had accompanied Eddy through multiple incarnations before eventually joining Kevin...

Then her existence had become deeply intertwined with every stage of that long journey.

She was just as important to Kevin as she had once been to Eddy.

The realization left Victor speechless.

Before he could organize his thoughts, Eddy smiled faintly.

"Now..."

"Allow me to share a bit of information about Dragon Mother Tiamat."

As his voice faded...

The surrounding soul realm dissolved once again.

...

Victor’s vision blurred before another memory unfolded.

He once again experienced the world through Eddy’s eyes.

The setting had changed.

He now stood within a vast stone courtyard engraved with countless magical inscriptions. Ancient pillars surrounded an enormous summoning platform, while several instructors observed quietly from a distance.

The air itself hummed with mana.

Every rune carved into the ground emitted a faint azure glow.

Young Eddy stood alone at the center of the magic circle.

Taking a slow breath, he raised one hand and began the summoning ritual.

"Hear me, spirits beyond the end."

"Follow the path to the radiance of my soul."

"Those among you who wish to form a contract with me..."

"Come forth..."

"So that I may judge your worth."

The moment the final word left his mouth...

Countless voices erupted inside his mind.

Some were gentle.

Others were ancient.

Some laughed.

Others whispered.

The overwhelming torrent echoed from every direction, nearly drowning his thoughts.

Amid the countless voices...

One familiar voice reached him.

It belonged to his teacher.

"The voices will question you."

"Answer every question truthfully."

"Once you’ve answered them..."

"Only two or three will remain."

"Among them..."

"You must choose the one who will become your familiar."

She paused briefly before adding another reminder.

"And while speaking..."

"Don’t forget to infuse every word with mana."

Eddy silently acknowledged her advice.

Almost immediately...

The first question echoed through his consciousness.

What is it you desire?

Without hesitation, Eddy answered.

"I desire to become the strongest!"

The voices immediately continued.

Why do you desire such strength?

His answer came just as quickly.

"I desire it so that I may protect what is important!"

The next question followed.

What is important to thee?

Eddy lowered his gaze for only a brief moment before speaking from the depths of his heart.

"Those whom I know..."

"Those these hands can still reach..."

"And those who cherish me."

For a heartbeat...

Silence.

Then another voice questioned him.

You do not wish to become a hero who protects everyone?

This time...

Eddy paused.

Victor could feel the weight of that question through the memory.

Protect everyone...

It sounded noble.

It sounded righteous.

Yet after a few moments...

A small smile appeared on Eddy’s face.

"I’m not arrogant enough to believe I can protect everyone."

His voice remained calm.

"I only wish to protect those standing before my eyes."

His gaze gradually sharpened.

"A hero..."

"...who cannot even save the people closest to him..."

"...could never hope to save the whole world."

The countless voices slowly disappeared.

One after another...

They fell silent.

Until...

Only a single voice remained.

It was ancient.

Majestic.

Filled with overwhelming authority.

Then tell me...

What will you offer me...

In exchange for power?

Eddy froze.

That single question stirred memories buried deep within his soul.

He remembered the strange dream.

The man who looked like him...

Yet wasn’t him.

A figure who possessed unrivaled strength.

A figure who smiled fearlessly even while standing before impossible odds.

Without realizing it...

Eddy found himself wearing that same confident smile.

Then he answered.

"I will give you..."

"...the chance to witness my future."

For a brief instant...

Everything became still.

Then the voice burst into thunderous laughter.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

INTERESTING!

VERY WELL, CHILD!

I SHALL GRANT YOU THE STRENGTH YOU SEEK!

The entire summoning platform erupted with brilliant light.

An enormous amount of mana poured from the summoning circle.

The air trembled violently.

The stone beneath Eddy’s feet cracked under the overwhelming pressure.

Everyone watching instinctively took several steps backward.

From within the pillar of light...

Something enormous began emerging.

First...

A gigantic snout.

Then an immense head covered in beautiful black scales that gleamed like polished obsidian.

Its powerful neck followed.

Then a massive body.

Elegant wings slowly unfolded, casting a vast shadow over the entire courtyard.

She resembled a dragon from ancient legends.

From the tip of her tail to the end of her horns, she measured nearly ten meters in length.

Her crimson eyes calmly overlooked everyone present.

No one spoke.

Several instructors stood frozen in disbelief.

The pressure radiating from the majestic dragon made breathing difficult.

Although her mouth never moved...

Her voice resonated directly inside everyone’s minds.

"I have answered your call, child."

"Speak thy name..."

"And tell me the terms of our contract."

Eddy blinked.

"Terms...?"

Unsure what to say, he instinctively looked toward his teacher.

She was still staring at the dragon in astonishment.

Even so...

She quickly noticed Eddy’s confused expression.

"Eddy..."

"You must state your name..."

"And tell her what it is you desire from her."

"I understand."

Eddy slowly turned back toward the gigantic black dragon.

Even now...

He couldn’t completely hide his amazement.

So this is a dragon...

My first time seeing one...

This is incredible...

Summoning really is amazing.

Taking a deep breath, he spoke clearly.

"I’m Eddy Regius."

"I wish for you to guide me toward becoming the strongest."

"As long as that goal remains unfulfilled..."

"You shall forever remain my familiar."

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